vasopressin

What is the most important information I should know about vasopressin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about the amount of liquids you should drink during your treatment with vasopressin. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

What is vasopressin?

Vasopressin is a man-made form of a hormone called "anti-diuretic hormone" that is normally secreted by the pituitary gland. Vasopressin acts on the kidneys and blood vessels.

Vasopressin helps prevent loss of water from the body by reducing urine output and helping the kidneys reabsorb water into the body. Vasopressin also raises blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.

Vasopressin is used to treat diabetes insipidus, which is caused by a lack of a naturally occurring pituitary hormone in the body. Vasopressin is also used to treat or prevent certain conditions of the stomach after surgery or during abdominal x-rays.

Vasopressin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving vasopressin?

You should not receive vasopressin if you are allergic to it.

To make sure vasopressin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

heart disease;

kidney disease;

asthma;

migraine headaches; or

epilepsy or other seizure disorder.

It is not known whether vasopressin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether vasopressin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is vasopressin given?

Vasopressin is injected into a muscle or under the skin, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Vasopressin is usually given as needed to help control your condition. The time interval between doses will depend on how your body responds to the medication.

To treat diabetes insipidus, vasopressin is sometimes given into the nose by nasal spray or medicine dropper, or insertion of a cotton pad that has been soaked in vasopressin.

When used for abdominal x-ray, vasopressin injections are usually given at 2 hours before and 30 minutes before your x-ray. Your doctor may also recommend you receive an enema before you receive your first dose of vasopressin.

Vasopressin can cause temporary side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, or "blanching" of your skin (pale spots when you press on the skin).

Drinking 1 or 2 glasses of water each time you receive an injection may help ease these side effects. If you are receiving this medicine in your vein through an IV, you may be told not to drink water for a certain period of time.

Follow your doctor's instructions about the amount of liquids you should drink during your treatment with vasopressin. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

While using vasopressin, you may need frequent blood tests. Your heart function may also need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive vasopressin in a medical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving vasopressin?

Avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment with vasopressin. Alcohol can make vasopressin less effective.

What are the possible side effects of vasopressin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

chest pain or tight feeling;

severe or pounding headache, severe drowsiness, feeling very weak;

slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing;

loss of color in your lips or around your mouth;

numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or

pain or loss of feeling anywhere in your body.

Common side effects may include:

slow heartbeats;

pale skin, numbness in your fingers or toes;

stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting;

dizziness, headache;

sweating; or

rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect vasopressin?

Other drugs may interact with vasopressin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about vasopressin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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